Campervan, motorhome, motor caravan — the terminology trap
In adverts the words campervan, motorhome, motor caravan, conversion and “van” are used almost interchangeably. What matters legally is how the vehicle is recorded on its registration certificate (the “logbook”). A van that has been converted but is still recorded as a commercial vehicle can be treated very differently for registration, testing and insurance than one recorded as a motor caravan.
- Ask for a clear photo of the logbook before you view.
- Check the vehicle description on it matches the vehicle in front of you.
- If a converted van isn't recorded as a motor caravan, ask what the seller has done to change that — and treat missing or contradictory answers as a red flag.
Roadworthiness: CRW / CVRT, not the NCT
Official Irish guidance is that motor caravans are tested under the Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness Test (CVRT) regime and receive a Certificate of Roadworthiness (CRW), rather than going through the NCT used for private cars. Check the current test intervals and requirements with the Road Safety Authority.
- Ask for the current certificate and note the expiry date.
- If a test is due soon, factor the cost — and the risk of a failure — into your offer.
- An expired or missing certificate where one is due is a serious warning sign.
Imports and VRT (UK, Northern Ireland and EU stock)
A large share of campers on the Irish market started life abroad. A vehicle first registered outside Ireland has to be registered here, and Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) dealt with, before it can be used on Irish roads long-term. Revenue administers VRT.
- Ask for the Irish registration certificate and proof that VRT was paid.
- If the vehicle is not yet registered here, get the full landed cost in writing — VRT can be a large amount.
- Be wary of any listing that is vague about whether the import is finished.
On camperdeals.ie, unresolved import / VRT status is a reason we don't feature a vehicle.
Motor tax
Motor tax depends on the vehicle's classification and details. Check the current rate for the exact vehicle on motortax.ie, and make sure tax is current before you drive it home.
Conversion evidence
A good conversion comes with paperwork. That matters for safety — gas and electrical faults are the risks that hurt people — and for insurance and resale.
- Professional conversion: ask for the converter's invoices and any installation certificates.
- Self-build: ask for build photos, receipts for the fixed systems, and a sign-off from a qualified person for the gas and electrical work.
- Seats and berths: the number of belted travel seats should match how it's marketed. Inconsistent seat counts are a paperwork red flag.
- Weight: check the plated weights so you know how much the vehicle can carry — people, water and luggage all count.
Ownership and history
- The name and address on the logbook should match the seller's ID.
- The VIN on the vehicle should match the logbook.
- A paid vehicle history check can flag outstanding finance and previous write-offs.
Service and habitation history
Look for a stamped service book with matching invoices, the timing belt or chain history where relevant, an annual habitation check (which includes a damp reading), and evidence of when the gas system was last tested.
Quick summary: what a clean camper looks like on paper
- Logbook shows it as a motor caravan; VIN and seller ID match.
- CRW in date, with a known expiry.
- Irish registered, with VRT receipt if imported.
- Stamped service history and recent habitation check.
- Conversion invoices and gas / electrical evidence.
- Seat count and berth count consistent.